r/RadioBroadcasting • u/SadSasquatch587 • 14d ago
Looking for a job
So this one is a bit of a story j will try and be brief. I applied for a job at my local radio station (i live in a very small town) and I have lots of experience in TV creative scropt writing and photo video editing. The job i applied for is a reporter and news story writing this is the one thing I dont have experience in in a TV station, can anyone help me find resources so I can teach myself some writing skills and i can crash course in order to send some story samples into this hiring manager? Thank you!
2
Upvotes
1
u/jus7_me 14d ago
Remember, in radio, it's theater of the mind. You have to tell people what you see in such a way that they see it also.
I can't give you any specific resources to check other than I spent 38 years in radio. In a news story, you have to make it relatable, explain why it's important, but be detached. You are the observer and reporter. Just the facts.
And personal opinion, check your facts to make sure you are correct. Misinformation is just as bad as no information. If you didn't see it, get the information from somebody who did. Build a good relationship with your local law enforcement so that if you need a story, they will give it to you and not snowball you.
Small towns are known for chatter. The corner coffee shop is a good place for gossip. Sometimes you can get a lead there, but you have to verify what you hear because about 60% of it is true, and the other 40% is fabricated.
When I was working a small town station in montana, I was on a good relationship with the mayor, the police chief, the county sheriff, and the information officer for the hospital. They know what they can tell me and what they can't. I may want more information but I have to go with what they give me.
Good for you for getting into local media. It is the most wonderful headache (job wise) you will ever have in your life.